Explaining the Images of Ministers With Money Launderer Su Haijin

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Recently, images of ministers Ong Ye Kung and Chee Hong Tat dining in the presence of convicted money launderer Su Haijin surfaced online, stirring controversy. These photos were posted by former Reform Party chairman Charles Yeo.

One photo showed Health Minister Ong with a group, including Su, while another showed Transport Minister Chee in a similar setting. An earlier unverified photo of labour chief Ng Chee Meng with Su also made the rounds but was suspected by some to be AI-generated.

On 6 May, the ministers issued a joint clarification via their press secretaries and Facebook posts, asserting they had no personal connection or contact with Su Haijin and had simply attended dinners at a friend’s invitation where Su happened to be present.

Ng Chee Meng also addressed the matter separately. He explained that as NTUC’s secretary-general, his role involves engaging with private-sector leaders and attending events where photo-taking is common. He clarified that the photo was taken long before Su’s legal troubles and confirmed he has had no contact with Su since learning of the charges.

Ng also brought up a past controversy from 2017 related to his conduct during an MOE dialogue, for which he again expressed regret. He added that he has requested Prime Minister Lawrence Wong not to assign him any government position so he can focus on his MP duties in Jalan Kayu and his leadership role in NTUC.

Su Haijin, now a household name in Singapore’s criminal headlines, was part of the largest money laundering case in the country’s history. He made headlines when he attempted to flee arrest by jumping off his bungalow balcony. Ultimately, he was sentenced to 14 months in jail and deported to Cambodia in 2024. Given the scale and visibility of the case, any image linked to Su has drawn significant public attention—especially those featuring prominent government figures. But the real question is: are these images truly evidence of anything shady?

Here’s an insider’s perspective: such photos are extremely common at political events. Whether it’s a formal networking session, business dinner, or a casual gathering, attendees frequently take photos with ministers—often without the ministers knowing who they’re posing with.

From personal experience attending such events, it’s routine for photos to be taken freely, and politicians rarely, if ever, ask who they’re posing with. So while the optics may raise eyebrows, the context behind these events explains why such photos are unsurprising.

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